Sealing structure for sealing multiple sections and a drawer of a medical emergency cart

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a sealing or locking structure for a mobile utility cart, and more particularly to such a sealing structure for a mobile utility cart commonly called a “medical emergency crash cart” or simply a “crash cart”, for medical emergency use in hospitals and other medical institutions. The sealing structure in accordance with an aspect of the present invention enables all storage sections of the crash cart to be locked and sealed, indicating that the crash cart contains a full complement of readily accessible medical equipment, instruments, and supplies. In addition, the locking structure enables an operator of the cart to unlock and unseal a single section of the cart or to unlock and unseal all sections of the cart simultaneously.

For purposes of this application the terms “locked” and “sealed” are used synonymously to mean that the various sections of the cart are held in a closed position or condition until a seal is broken in a way that can be easily confirmed to permit one or more of such sections to be moved to an open position or condition. The term “lock” is not intended to require that any section must be “unlocked” by use of a separate mechanism such as a key.

2. Description of Related Art

A medical emergency crash cart commonly contains medical equipment, instruments, and supplies that may be required while responding to medical emergencies, particularly for medical procedures practiced in cases of cardiac emergencies. However, the crash cart may be equipped for any type of medical emergency. The crash cart generally includes a housing having a plurality of bins, drawers, shelves, sections, and/or compartments for storing medical equipment and supplies such as syringes and drugs.

After all sections of the cart have been fully stocked with equipment, the cart is locked or sealed until the equipment is needed during an emergency. An unbroken tamper-proof seal indicates that the cart is fully stocked. During an emergency, the cart is unlocked or unsealed to enable access to the medical supplies within the cart. After the emergency, the cart typically is sent to a pharmacy department where an inventory of the cart is taken and missing items are replaced. When the cart is restocked, the cart is locked or sealed again until the next emergency.

Current crash carts employ conventional cart locking structures that simultaneously lock or unlock all sections of a cart when actuated. An advantage of such cart locking structures is that the cart can be unlocked quickly. However, if only a single item is needed from one section of the cart, a complete inventory of all sections of the cart must be made after use, which is a very time consuming task. Accordingly, one drawback of current crash carts is that discrete sections cannot be selectively unlocked during an emergency.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,790,610 (Welch et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,673,983 (Carlson et al.), and U.S. Pat. No. 6,158,830 (Johnson et al.) disclose mechanisms for locking multiple sections of a cart. A commercial product, known as the Starsys™ Passive Lock Security System, available from InterMetro Industries Corporation, has a number of drawers. In this product, each drawer is provided with a separate breakable or frangible seal such that any one drawer may be opened while the remaining drawers remain closed and sealed. Therefore, it can be confirmed by examination of the seals which have been broken and, therefore, which drawers need to be restocked. However, while the mechanisms disclosed in these patents have many advantages, they are not well suited for selectively unlocking one section of the cart while leaving other sections locked.

For these and other reasons, the crash carts and related locking structures of the prior art are not entirely satisfactory. A need exists for an improved crash cart and related locking structures for providing selective access to multiple sections of the cart.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to improve the accessibility of medical equipment, instruments, and supplies in a medical emergency crash cart.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a security mechanism that offers easy visual inspection of at least two sections of the crash cart and that assures that a full complement of medical equipment, instruments, and supplies are stored within each section of the crash cart.

Generally speaking, the present invention will be referred to as a “cart,” which may incorporate an enclosed cabinet for storing items, such as medical supplies used in responding to medical emergencies. However, the present invention may be used in conjunction with a variety of storage structures, as well as other utility carts that have general application outside of the medical field. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to crash or other medical carts, but may be used in conjunction with any structure that can benefit from a locking assembly that may be actuated to open a single section of the cart and also can be actuated to open all sections of the cart simultaneously.

The cart in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a housing having a top section and a front section. The top section includes a tub for storing items that are needed most frequently during emergencies. The front section includes one or more bins for storing additional items that may be required during an emergency.

The top section and the front section are secured in a locked condition by a common locking structure that nevertheless permits the top and front sections to be unlocked independently of each other. Therefore, if, for example, in the context of use of the invention as a medical emergency crash cart, only the top section need be unsealed and opened to access those items most frequently needed in an emergency, then the front section may remain closed and sealed. Inventory and restocking of the top section is all that is then required to ready the cart for its next use.

More particularly, a first breakable seal provided at an upper portion of the locking structure can provide quick visual confirmation that, if unbroken, the complements of the top section are complete. A second breakable seal provided at a lower portion of the locking structure can provide quick visual confirmation that, if unbroken, the complements of the front section of the cart are complete. The locking structure is designed to shear the first seal for accessing the contents of the top section quickly. In addition, the locking structure is designed to shear the first and second seals and unlock all sections of the cart for accessing the contents of all sections of the cart quickly.

A more complete appreciation along with an understanding of other objects, features, and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention is directed to a cart comprising a housing having a top and at least one side, a recessed tray for storing items provided in the top of the housing, a top cover mountable with the top of the housing for covering the tray to prevent removal of items stored in it, but being removable from or slidable off of the top of the housing thereby to permit access to items stored in the tray, and at least one compartment, also for storing items, associated with and accessible from the one side of the housing. The compartment is movable between (a) a closed position for preventing removal of items stored therein, and (b) an open position to permit access to items stored therein. A seal and lock mechanism are capable of (a) simultaneously locking the top cover to cover the tray and locking the compartment in the closed position, (b) unlocking the cover to permit its removal from the top, but not unlocking the compartment from the closed position, and (c) simultaneously unlocking the top cover to permit its removal from the top and unlocking the compartment permitting it to be moved to the open position.

Accordingly, in another aspect, the present invention is directed to a cart including a housing having a top that defines a recessed tray, a cover for covering the tray but providing access to the interior thereof when removed or otherwise moved away therefrom. The cover includes a first cover retaining portion having a lock seal aperture formed therethrough. At least one compartment is mounted on one side of said housing and being movable between an open position providing access to its interior and a closed position with its interior enclosed. A lock can lock the compartment in the closed position, the lock includes a stationary member and a slide member having a lock seal aperture formed therethrough. The slide member is movable to (a) a first position where the lock seal aperture of the slide member is aligned with the lock seal aperture of the first cover retaining portion and where the compartment is locked in the closed position, and (b) a second position where the lock seal aperture of the slide member is not aligned with said lock seal aperture of said first cover retaining portion and where the compartment is not locked in the closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A</figref>, <b>1</b>B, <b>1</b>C, <b>1</b>D, <b>1</b>E, and <b>1</b>F are a front view, a right side view, a top view, a perspective view taken from the front right, a partial top view, and a partial cross-sectional view taken along line <b>1</b>F-<b>1</b>F in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1C</figref> and looking in the direction of the arrows, respectively, of certain external and internal features of a preferred embodiment of a crash cart in accordance with the present invention.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2A and 2B</figref> are top and bottom views, respectively, of a top frame or component illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A through 1D</figref>.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3A</figref>, <b>3</b>B, and <b>3</b>C are front, top, and right side views, respectively, of a top cover hold-down bracket of the present invention.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4A and 4B</figref> are top and right side views, respectively, of a tub illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1B</figref>.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is top view of a sliding top cover illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1C</figref>.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6A</figref>, <b>6</b>B, and <b>6</b>C are top, right side, and front views, respectively, of a sliding top cover pull plate illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1C</figref>.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7A and 7B</figref> are top and front views, respectively, of a sliding top cover retainer bar illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1C</figref>.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8A and 8B</figref> are top views of a lock seal illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1C</figref>, shown in an unsealed state and a sealed state, respectively.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9A and 9B</figref> are front and right side views, respectively, of a lock bar of the present invention.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10A and 10B</figref> are front and right side views, respectively, of a front frame illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref>.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11A</figref> is a right side view of a left front frame, and <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11B</figref> is a left side view of a right front frame of the present invention.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12A and 12B</figref> are right side and top views, respectively, of a tilt-out bin illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1B</figref>.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 13A</figref>, <b>13</b>B, and <b>13</b>C are front, right side, and top views, respectively, of a tilt-out bin lock bar clip of the present invention.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14A</figref>, <b>14</b>B, and <b>14</b>C are front, right side, and top views, respectively, of a manual lock handle of the present invention.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15A</figref>, <b>15</b>B, and <b>15</b>C are right side, top, and bottom views, respectively, of a thumb latch of the present invention.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> illustrates attachment of the manual lock handle illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14A through 14C</figref> to the lock bar illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9A and 9B</figref>.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 17A and 17B</figref> are front and right side views, respectively, of the lock bar illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9A and 9B</figref> with the manual lock handle illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14A through 14C</figref> attached and a plurality of the tilt-out bin lock bar clips illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 13A through 13C</figref> attached.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 18A</figref>, <b>18</b>B, and <b>18</b>C are front, right side, and top views, respectively, of a manual lock bracket of the present invention.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 19A</figref>, <b>19</b>B, and <b>19</b>C are front, right side, and top views, respectively, of a vertical channel of the present invention.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 20A and 20B</figref> illustrates right side and front views, respectively, of a bushing used to slidably attach the lock bar illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9A and 9B</figref> to the vertical channel illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 19A</figref>, <b>19</b>B, and <b>19</b>C.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 21A</figref>, <b>21</b>B, <b>21</b>C, and <b>21</b>D illustrate front, right side, top, and enlarged partial right side views, respectively, of the lock bar illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9A and 9B</figref> attached to the vertical channel illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 19A</figref>, <b>19</b>B, and <b>19</b>C.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 22A and 22B</figref> illustrate top and front views, respectively, of a drawer of the present invention.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 23A and 23B</figref> illustrate top and front views, respectively, of a drawer lock tab of the present invention.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref> illustrates a partial three-quarter perspective view, taken from the front and right side of the cart shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A through 1F</figref> with sections removed to show certain external and internal features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Initially, the principal features of the present invention will be described generally in order to provide an overview of its various aspects. Then those features will be described in detail.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A through 1E</figref> illustrate a front view, a side view, a top view, a perspective view taken from the front right, and a partial top view, respectively, of external and internal features of one embodiment of a crash cart <b>100</b> according to the present invention. More particularly, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A through 1E</figref> show the cart <b>100</b> with certain external enclosures removed so that internal operating mechanisms can be illustrated. In addition, while the present invention is described in the environment of a cart, structures for mounting the cart for movement on a floor, for example, like wheels or casters have been omitted. The unshown features are well within the skill of the art and are not part of the present invention.

As shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref>, the crash cart <b>100</b> in accordance with the invention includes a top frame <b>102</b>, a front frame <b>104</b>, a left front frame <b>106</b>, and a right front frame <b>107</b>. The left front frame <b>106</b> and the right front frame <b>107</b> support four substantially identical tilt-out bins <b>108</b>, in which medical supplies may be stored.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2A and 2B</figref> illustrate top and bottom views, respectively, of the top frame or component, which may be a molded part, <b>102</b> of the cart <b>100</b>. An upper portion of the top frame <b>102</b> includes a tub opening <b>102</b><i>a</i>, a lock bar opening <b>102</b><i>b</i>, sliding top cover retainer bar openings <b>102</b><i>c</i>, screw openings <b>102</b><i>d</i>, screw openings <b>102</b><i>e</i>, and a flange <b>102</b><i>f</i>, as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref>. A lower portion of the top frame <b>102</b> also can be considered to be formed with the tub opening <b>102</b><i>a</i>, the lock bar opening <b>102</b><i>b</i>, and screw openings <b>102</b><i>g</i>, as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2B</figref>.

A sliding top cover <b>110</b> is removably attached to the top frame <b>102</b> to enclose a tub that is described below. Attachment of the sliding top cover <b>110</b> to the top frame <b>102</b> is described with reference to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1C and 2</figref> through <b>10</b>. More particularly, a top cover hold-down bracket <b>112</b> is illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3A through 3C</figref>. The top cover hold-down bracket <b>112</b> includes a retaining flange <b>112</b><i>a </i>and screw apertures <b>112</b><i>b</i>. A first top cover hold-down bracket <b>112</b> is attached to the top frame <b>102</b> using a pair of screws (not illustrated) that are inserted through the screw apertures <b>112</b><i>b </i>of the top cover hold-down bracket <b>112</b> and advanced into the screw openings <b>102</b><i>d </i>of the top frame <b>102</b>. A second top cover hold-down bracket <b>112</b> is similarly attached to the top frame <b>102</b> using a pair of screws (not illustrated) that are inserted through the screw apertures <b>112</b><i>b </i>of the top cover hold-down bracket <b>112</b> and advanced into the screw openings <b>102</b><i>e </i>of the top frame <b>102</b>.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4A and 4B</figref> illustrate top and side views, respectively, of the tub <b>114</b>. A flange <b>114</b><i>a </i>is disposed about an upper periphery of the tub <b>114</b>. A plurality of screw apertures <b>114</b><i>b </i>are formed through the flange <b>114</b><i>a</i>. The tub <b>114</b> is attached to the top frame <b>102</b> using a plurality of screws (not illustrated) that are inserted through the screw apertures <b>114</b><i>b </i>of the flange <b>114</b><i>a </i>and advanced into the screw openings <b>102</b><i>g </i>of the top frame <b>102</b>. The tub <b>114</b> may be used to store medical items that are required most often during emergencies.

As shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1C</figref>, the sliding top cover <b>110</b> is disposed over the tub <b>114</b> when an upper section of the cart <b>100</b> is locked, thereby preventing access to the tub <b>114</b>. When the upper section of the cart <b>100</b> is unlocked, the sliding top cover <b>110</b> may be removed to provide access to items stored in the tub <b>114</b>. The sliding top cover <b>110</b> includes a first end <b>110</b><i>a</i>, an opposing second end <b>110</b><i>b</i>, and four rivet apertures <b>110</b><i>c </i>formed through the first end <b>110</b><i>a</i>, as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6A</figref>, <b>6</b>B, and <b>6</b>C illustrate top, side, and front views, respectively, of a sliding top cover pull plate <b>116</b>, with which the sliding top cover <b>110</b> is equipped and which includes a main portion <b>116</b><i>a</i>, a first retaining flange <b>116</b><i>b</i>, a handle portion <b>116</b><i>c</i>, a second retaining flange <b>116</b><i>d</i>, and a locking flange <b>116</b><i>e, </i>which includes a lock seal aperture <b>116</b><i>f </i>formed therethrough. A plurality of rivet apertures <b>116</b><i>g </i>are formed through the main portion <b>116</b><i>a </i>of the sliding top cover pull plate <b>116</b>.

The sliding top cover pull plate <b>116</b> is fixed to the sliding top cover <b>110</b> using a plurality of rivets (not illustrated) that are inserted through the rivet apertures <b>110</b><i>c </i>of the sliding top cover <b>110</b> and the rivet apertures <b>116</b><i>g </i>of the sliding top cover pull plate <b>116</b>. A plurality of nuts (not illustrated) are attached to the plurality of bolts to securely attach the sliding top cover pull plate <b>116</b> to the sliding top cover <b>110</b>. Of course, any suitable fasteners such as bolts, rivets, screws, and the like may be used in the various applications.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7A and 7B</figref> illustrate top and front views, respectively, of a sliding top cover retainer bar <b>118</b>, with which the top cover is also equipped and which includes a top cover retaining portion <b>118</b><i>a</i>, horizontal extension portions <b>118</b><i>b, </i>and vertical extension portions <b>118</b><i>c</i>. Push fasteners or push nuts are secured to lower portions of the vertical extension portions <b>118</b><i>c</i>, which are inserted into the openings <b>102</b><i>c </i>of the top frame <b>102</b> thereby securely attaching the sliding top cover retainer bar <b>118</b> to the top frame <b>102</b>.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8A and 8B</figref> illustrate a lock seal <b>120</b> in an unsealed state and in a sealed state, respectively, for sealing and locking the sliding top cover <b>110</b> in place. The lock seal <b>120</b>, which is known, per se, and commercially available, includes a severable or frangible locking portion <b>120</b><i>a</i>, which has a first end <b>120</b><i>b</i>, and a retaining portion <b>120</b><i>c</i>. As shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8A</figref>, when the lock seal <b>120</b> is not sealed, the locking portion <b>120</b><i>a </i>is not connected to the retaining portion <b>120</b><i>c</i>. As shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8B</figref>, when the lock seal <b>120</b> is sealed, the locking portion <b>120</b><i>a </i>is fixed to the retaining portion <b>120</b><i>c</i>. The seal <b>120</b> may also include a depending tab <b>120</b><i>d </i>on which a serial number may be printed or embossed. The serial numbers may be used by, for example, hospital staff to monitor how many times portions of the cart have been accessed in order to track carefully items or supplies used from the cart.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9A and 9B</figref> illustrate front and side views, respectively, of a lock bar <b>122</b>. The lock bar <b>122</b> includes a main portion <b>122</b><i>a</i>, a lock seal aperture <b>122</b><i>b</i>, a sliding flange <b>122</b><i>c</i>, a rectangular aperture <b>122</b><i>d</i>, screw apertures <b>122</b><i>e, </i>retaining flanges <b>122</b><i>f</i>, oval-shaped apertures <b>122</b><i>g</i>, and screw apertures <b>122</b><i>h. </i>The interengagement and interaction of these components will now be described further below as a first storage section of the crash cart.

First Storage Section of Crash Cart

The first storage section of the cart <b>100</b> may be defined by the top frame <b>102</b>, the tub <b>114</b>, and the sliding top cover <b>110</b>. To secure the first storage section in a closed and locked state, the second end <b>110</b><i>b </i>of the top cover <b>110</b> is inserted between the retaining portion <b>118</b><i>a </i>of the top cover retainer bar <b>118</b> and the top frame <b>102</b>, as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1C</figref>. The first end <b>110</b><i>a </i>of the top cover <b>110</b> then is positioned so that the first retaining flange <b>116</b><i>b </i>and the second retaining flange <b>116</b><i>d </i>of the top cover pull plate <b>116</b> are disposed beneath the retaining flanges <b>112</b><i>a </i>of the cover hold-down brackets <b>112</b>, which prevent the first end <b>110</b><i>a </i>of the top cover <b>110</b> from being lifted upwardly, as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1F</figref>.

When the top cover <b>110</b> is positioned as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1C</figref>, the lock seal aperture <b>116</b><i>f </i>of the locking flange <b>116</b><i>e </i>of the pull plate <b>116</b> (shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6C</figref>) is aligned with the lock seal aperture <b>122</b><i>b </i>of the lock bar <b>122</b> (shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9A</figref>). The first section may be locked or sealed by inserting a first end <b>120</b><i>b </i>of a locking portion <b>120</b><i>a </i>of a lock seal <b>120</b> through the lock seal apertures <b>116</b><i>f </i>and <b>122</b><i>b </i>and into the retaining portion <b>120</b><i>c </i>of the lock seal <b>120</b>.

During an emergency, an operator may remove the sliding top cover <b>110</b> from covering the top of the cart <b>100</b> by pushing the handle portion <b>116</b><i>c </i>of the cover pull plate <b>116</b> toward the cover retainer bar <b>118</b>, which causes the lock bar <b>122</b> and the locking flange <b>116</b><i>e </i>of the cover pull plate <b>116</b> to sever the locking portion <b>120</b><i>a </i>of the lock seal <b>120</b>. When the handle portion <b>116</b><i>c </i>engages the cover retainer bar <b>118</b>, the top cover <b>110</b> may tilt downwardly and hang from the side of the cart. Further, once the locking portion <b>120</b><i>a </i>of the lock seal <b>120</b> is broken, an operator is then able to slide the first end <b>110</b><i>a </i>of the top cover <b>110</b> toward the sliding top cover retainer bar <b>118</b> until the first retaining flange <b>116</b><i>b </i>and the second retaining flange <b>116</b><i>d </i>of the pull plate <b>116</b> are no longer disposed beneath the retaining flanges <b>112</b><i>a </i>of the hold-down brackets <b>112</b>. The operator can then lift the sliding top cover <b>110</b> upwardly and remove it.

After the emergency, the cart <b>100</b> may be sent to the pharmacy department for taking of inventory and restocking. If the operator recloses or replaces the sliding top cover <b>110</b> prior to returning the cart <b>100</b> to the pharmacy department, the lock seal <b>120</b> will no longer be within the lock seal apertures <b>116</b><i>f </i>and <b>122</b><i>b</i>, which indicates that the first section must be checked for its inventory, restocked, and resealed with a new lock seal <b>120</b> prior to returning the cart <b>100</b>.

A second storage section of the cart will now be described.

Second Storage Section of Crash Cart

A second storage section of the cart <b>100</b> is defined by the front frame <b>104</b>, the left front frame <b>106</b>, the right front frame <b>107</b>, and the tilt-out bins <b>108</b>. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10A and 10B</figref> illustrate front and side views, respectively, of the front frame <b>104</b>. The front frame <b>104</b> includes side walls <b>104</b><i>a</i>, which have rectangular apertures <b>104</b><i>b </i>formed therethrough. Circular indentations <b>104</b><i>c </i>are formed in inner surfaces of the side walls <b>104</b><i>a. </i>

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11A</figref> is a right side view of the left front frame <b>106</b>. The left front frame <b>106</b> includes recesses <b>106</b><i>a</i>. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11B</figref> is a left side view of the right front frame <b>107</b>. The right front frame <b>107</b> similarly includes recesses <b>107</b><i>a </i>and a lock aperture <b>107</b><i>b. </i>

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12A and 12B</figref> illustrate side and top views, respectively, of one tilt-out bin <b>108</b>. The bin <b>108</b> includes a handle <b>108</b><i>a</i>, partially cylindrical projections <b>108</b><i>b</i>, and locking tabs <b>108</b><i>c</i>. Each locking tab <b>108</b><i>c </i>includes a lip <b>108</b><i>d </i>formed at an outer, forward surface thereof.

Each tilt-out bin <b>108</b> is mounted into the front of the cart <b>100</b>. Opposed projections <b>108</b><i>b </i>of the tilt-out bins <b>108</b> are received in the recesses <b>106</b><i>a </i>and <b>107</b><i>a </i>of the left front frame <b>106</b> and the right front frame <b>107</b>, respectively. Accordingly, the projections <b>108</b><i>b </i>act as pivots for tilting the tilt-out bins <b>108</b> with respect to the front frame <b>104</b>.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 13A</figref>, <b>13</b>B, and <b>13</b>C illustrate front, side, and top views, respectively, of a tilt-out bin lock bar clip <b>124</b>. The bin lock bar clip <b>124</b> includes a base portion <b>124</b><i>a</i>, which has a pair of screw apertures <b>124</b><i>b </i>formed therethrough. The bin lock bar clip <b>124</b> also includes an extension member <b>124</b><i>c </i>that extends from the base portion <b>124</b><i>a</i>. A locking tab <b>124</b><i>d </i>is formed at the forward end of the extension member <b>124</b><i>c</i>. The locking tab <b>124</b><i>d </i>includes a lip <b>124</b><i>e </i>formed at an inner surface thereof. The lips <b>124</b><i>e </i>of the bin lock bar clips <b>124</b> cooperate with the lips <b>108</b><i>d </i>of the locking tabs <b>108</b><i>c </i>of the bins <b>108</b> to securely lock them in a closed position.

Four tilt-out bin lock bar clips <b>124</b> are securely attached to the lock bar <b>122</b> illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9A and 9B</figref>. More particularly, each lock bar clip <b>124</b> is secured to the lock bar <b>122</b> using a pair of screws (not illustrated) that are inserted through the screw apertures <b>122</b><i>h </i>(shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9A</figref>) of the lock bar <b>122</b> and advanced into the screw apertures <b>124</b><i>b </i>of the tilt-out bin lock bar clips <b>124</b>.

A third storage section of the cart will now be described.

Third Storage Section of Crash Cart

The third storage section of the cart <b>100</b> is defined by the top frame <b>102</b> and one or more drawers <b>144</b> that are slidably mounted in the cart <b>100</b>. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 22A and 22B</figref> illustrate top and front views, respectively, of a drawer <b>144</b> in which medical supplies may be stored. A front wall of the drawer <b>144</b> includes a plurality of bolt apertures <b>144</b><i>a </i>formed therethrough. A back wall (not shown) of the drawer <b>144</b> also includes a plurality of bolt apertures <b>144</b><i>a </i>formed therethrough. The bolt apertures <b>144</b><i>a </i>are used to attach slide rails <b>146</b> (one of which is shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref>) using a plurality of nuts and bolts (not shown). The front wall of the drawer <b>144</b> includes a pair of screw apertures <b>144</b><i>b. </i>

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 23A and 23B</figref> illustrate top and front views, respectively, of a drawer lock tab <b>148</b>. The drawer lock tab <b>148</b> includes a main portion <b>148</b><i>a</i>, and a notch <b>148</b><i>b </i>that extends from the main portion <b>148</b><i>a</i>. The drawer lock tab <b>148</b> also includes apertures <b>148</b><i>b </i>and <b>148</b><i>c</i>, which are used to secure the drawer lock tab <b>148</b> to the drawer <b>144</b>. More particularly, a screw (not shown) is inserted through each of the apertures <b>148</b><i>b </i>and <b>148</b><i>c </i>of the drawer lock tab <b>148</b>, and advanced into corresponding screw apertures <b>144</b><i>b </i>of the drawer <b>144</b>. The screw (not shown) that is inserted into <b>148</b><i>d </i>of the drawer lock tab <b>148</b> prevents the drawer lock tab <b>148</b> from flexing away from the drawer <b>144</b>, which prevents the drawer lock tab <b>148</b> from becoming caught on the frame of the cart <b>100</b> as the drawer <b>144</b> is opened and closed. It will also be appreciated that the tab <b>148</b> can flex inwardly when the drawer is closed permitting it to be overridden by a retaining flange <b>122</b><i>f</i>, as described below.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref> illustrates a partial three-quarter view of the cart <b>100</b> taken from the front and right side, with a drawer <b>144</b> slidably attached thereto. The drawer <b>144</b> is accessible from the right side of the cart <b>100</b>. An operator may pull on a handle (not shown) attached to the drawer <b>144</b>, which causes the slide rail <b>146</b> and an opposing slide <b>146</b> rail (not shown) mounted to a back wall of the drawer <b>144</b> to slide within slide members (not shown) that are attached to the cart <b>100</b> and receive the slide rails <b>146</b>. The lock bar <b>122</b> is shown in a locked position. In the locked position, one of the retaining flanges <b>122</b><i>f </i>of the lock bar <b>122</b> is disposed directly in front of the notch <b>148</b><i>b </i>of the drawer lock tab <b>148</b>, which prevents the drawer <b>144</b> from being moved to the open position. Although not shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref>, multiple drawers <b>144</b> may be slidably mounted within the cart <b>100</b>. When the drawers <b>144</b> are closed and the lock bar <b>122</b> is moved to the locked position, each of the retaining flanges <b>122</b><i>f </i>of the lock bar <b>122</b> is disposed in front of one of the notches <b>148</b><i>b </i>of the drawer lock tabs <b>148</b>, which prevents all of the drawers <b>144</b> from being opened until the lock bar <b>122</b> is moved to an open position. It is noted that the shape of the notch <b>148</b><i>b </i>of the drawer lock tab <b>148</b> enables the drawers <b>144</b> to be closed, even when the lock bar <b>122</b> previously has been moved to the locked position.

Assembly of the sealing mechanism of the present invention will now be described.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14A</figref>, <b>14</b>B, and <b>14</b>C illustrate front, side, and top views, respectively, of a manual lock handle <b>126</b>, which includes a base portion <b>126</b><i>a, </i>having a pair of standoff apertures <b>126</b><i>b </i>formed therethrough. A locking portion <b>126</b><i>c </i>extends from the base portion <b>126</b><i>a </i>and includes a lock seal aperture <b>126</b><i>e </i>formed therethrough. A latch flange <b>126</b><i>d </i>extends from the locking portion <b>126</b><i>c </i>and includes a screw aperture <b>126</b><i>f </i>formed therethrough.

The manual lock handle <b>126</b> is pivotably attached to the lock bar <b>122</b>. Attachment of the manual lock handle <b>126</b> to the lock bar <b>122</b> is described with reference to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>. More specifically, a hex head standoff <b>130</b> includes a cylindrical shaft <b>130</b><i>a </i>and a hexagonally shaped end portion <b>130</b><i>b</i>. The cylindrical shaft <b>130</b><i>a </i>is inserted into an aperture of a washer <b>132</b> and a center portion of a spring <b>134</b> and is advanced until the washer <b>132</b> contacts the spring <b>134</b> and the end portion <b>130</b><i>b </i>contacts the washer <b>132</b>. The standoff apertures <b>126</b><i>b </i>of the base portion <b>126</b><i>a </i>of the lock handle <b>126</b> then are aligned with screw apertures <b>122</b><i>e </i>of the lock bar <b>122</b>. A screw <b>135</b> is inserted through one of the screw apertures <b>122</b><i>e </i>of the lock bar <b>122</b> and a corresponding standoff aperture <b>126</b><i>b </i>of the base portion <b>126</b><i>a </i>of the manual lock handle <b>126</b>, and is advanced into the center of the cylindrical shaft <b>130</b><i>a </i>of the hex head standoff <b>130</b>. This procedure is repeated for the other screw aperture <b>122</b><i>e </i>of the lock bar <b>122</b> and the corresponding standoff aperture <b>126</b><i>b </i>of the base portion <b>126</b><i>a </i>of the manual lock handle <b>126</b>.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 17A and 17B</figref> illustrate front and side views, respectively, of the lock bar <b>122</b> with four of the tilt-out bin lock bar clips <b>124</b> and the manual lock handle <b>126</b> attached thereto.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 18A</figref>, <b>18</b>B, and <b>18</b>C illustrate front, side, and top views, respectively, of a manual lock bracket <b>136</b>. The manual lock bracket <b>136</b> includes a base portion <b>136</b><i>a</i>, which includes a pair of rivet apertures <b>136</b><i>b </i>formed therethrough. A locking portion <b>136</b><i>c </i>extends from the base portion <b>136</b><i>a </i>and includes a lock seal aperture <b>136</b><i>d </i>formed therethrough.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 19A</figref>, <b>19</b>B, and <b>19</b>C illustrate front, side, and top views, respectively, of a vertical channel <b>138</b>. The vertical channel <b>138</b> includes a base portion <b>138</b><i>a</i>. A side portion <b>138</b><i>b </i>extends from one side of the base portion <b>138</b><i>a</i>. A sliding flange <b>138</b><i>c </i>extends from an opposite side of the base portion <b>138</b><i>a</i>. A front portion <b>138</b><i>d </i>extends from the sliding flange <b>138</b><i>c. </i>

The base portion <b>138</b><i>a </i>includes a first rectangular aperture <b>138</b><i>e</i>, second rectangular apertures <b>138</b><i>f</i>, third rectangular apertures <b>138</b><i>g</i>, and bolt apertures <b>138</b><i>h</i>. The side portion <b>138</b><i>b </i>includes an aperture <b>138</b><i>i</i>, a locking projection <b>138</b><i>j, </i>and a pair of rivet apertures <b>138</b><i>k</i>. The lock bracket <b>136</b> illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 18A</figref>, <b>18</b>B, and <b>18</b>C is attached to the side portion <b>138</b><i>b </i>of the vertical channel <b>138</b>. More particularly, the rivets apertures <b>136</b><i>b </i>of the base portion <b>136</b><i>a </i>are aligned with corresponding rivet apertures <b>138</b><i>k </i>of the side portion <b>138</b><i>b </i>of the vertical channel <b>138</b>, and rivets are placed therethrough.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 20A and 20B</figref> illustrate front and side views, respectively, of a bushing <b>140</b> that is used to slidably attach the lock bar <b>122</b> to the vertical channel <b>138</b>, as will be described below. The bushing <b>140</b> includes an end portion <b>140</b><i>a, </i>a cylindrical portion <b>140</b><i>b</i>, and a bolt aperture <b>140</b><i>c </i>formed through the end portion <b>140</b><i>a </i>and the cylindrical portion <b>140</b><i>b. </i>

Assembly and operation of the locking structure of the present invention is described with reference to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 17A through 21D</figref>. The partially assembled locking structure shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 17A and 17B</figref> is slidably mounted in the vertical channel shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 19A through 19C</figref>. More particularly, the upper end of the lock bar <b>122</b> is inserted through the rectangular aperture <b>138</b><i>e </i>of the base portion <b>138</b><i>a </i>of the vertical channel <b>138</b>, and the locking portion <b>126</b><i>c </i>of the manual lock handle <b>126</b> is inserted through the aperture <b>138</b><i>i </i>of the side member <b>138</b><i>b </i>of the vertical channel <b>138</b>, as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 21A through 21D</figref>.

A cylindrical portion <b>140</b><i>b </i>of a bushing <b>140</b> is inserted through one of the oval-shaped apertures <b>122</b><i>g </i>of the lock bar <b>122</b> and aligned with one of the bolt apertures <b>138</b><i>h </i>of the base portion <b>138</b><i>a </i>of the vertical channel <b>138</b>. A washer (not illustrated) is inserted between the base portion <b>138</b><i>a </i>of the vertical channel <b>138</b> and the lock bar <b>122</b> such that it contacts the end cylindrical portion <b>140</b><i>b </i>that does not include the end portion <b>140</b><i>a</i>. A bolt (not illustrated) is inserted through the bolt aperture <b>138</b><i>h </i>of the vertical channel <b>138</b>, an aperture of the washer, and the bolt aperture <b>140</b><i>c </i>of the bushing <b>140</b>. A nut <b>142</b> is secured to the end of the bolt, as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21A</figref>. This process is repeated for the other oval-shaped apertures <b>122</b><i>g </i>of the lock bar <b>122</b>. The lock bar <b>122</b> now is slidably attached to the vertical channel <b>138</b>.

When the lock bar <b>122</b> is positioned as described, the retaining flanges <b>122</b><i>f </i>of the lock bar <b>122</b> protrude through the rectangular apertures <b>138</b><i>g</i>. The retaining flanges <b>122</b><i>f </i>and the rectangular apertures <b>138</b><i>g </i>cooperate to ensure that the lock bar <b>122</b> slides only a predetermined distance with respect to the vertical channel <b>138</b>. In addition, the locking portion <b>126</b><i>c </i>of the manual lock handle <b>126</b> is positioned above the locking projection <b>138</b><i>j </i>of the vertical channel, as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21D</figref>.

The assembled locking structure is positioned on the cart <b>100</b> such that the upper portion of the lock bar <b>122</b> extends through the lock bar opening <b>102</b><i>b </i>of the top frame <b>102</b> and the tilt-out bin lock bar clips <b>124</b> extend through the rectangular apertures <b>104</b><i>b </i>of the side walls <b>104</b><i>a </i>of the front frame <b>104</b>. The locking portion <b>126</b><i>c </i>of the lock handle <b>126</b> and the locking portion <b>136</b><i>c </i>of the lock bracket <b>136</b> extend through the lock aperture <b>107</b><i>b </i>of the right front frame <b>107</b>.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15A</figref>, <b>15</b>B, and <b>15</b>C illustrate side, top, and bottom views, respectively of a thumb latch <b>128</b>, which includes a curved upper surface <b>128</b><i>a</i>, as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15A</figref>. A lower surface of the thumb latch <b>128</b> includes a retaining portion <b>128</b><i>b</i>, which has a screw aperture <b>128</b><i>c </i>formed therein, as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15C</figref>. The thumb latch <b>128</b> is attached to the lock handle <b>126</b>. More particularly, a screw (not labeled) is inserted through the screw aperture <b>126</b><i>f </i>of the latch flange <b>126</b><i>d </i>of the manual lock handle <b>126</b> and advanced into the screw aperture <b>128</b><i>c </i>of the thumb latch <b>128</b>.

As shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1B</figref>, the vertical channel <b>138</b> is attached to an upper horizontal member <b>139</b><i>a </i>and a lower horizontal member <b>139</b><i>b </i>of the cart <b>100</b> using a plurality of nuts and bolts (not illustrated). When the locking portion <b>126</b><i>c </i>of the manual lock handle <b>126</b> is disposed on the upper side of the locking projection <b>138</b><i>j </i>of the vertical channel <b>138</b>, the locking portion <b>126</b><i>c </i>rests on the locking projection <b>138</b><i>j </i>and each of the locking tabs <b>124</b><i>d </i>of the bin lock bar clips <b>124</b> is disposed in front of one of the locking tabs <b>108</b><i>c </i>of one of the bins <b>108</b>, which prevents the bins <b>108</b> from being opened.

To unlock the bins <b>108</b>, an operator applies a force to the curved upper surface <b>128</b><i>a </i>of the thumb latch <b>128</b>, which causes the locking portion <b>126</b><i>c </i>of the lock handle <b>126</b> to pivot away from the lock bar <b>122</b> and slide downwardly next to the locking projection <b>138</b><i>j</i>, which causes the lock bar <b>122</b> to move downwardly. When the lock bar <b>122</b> moves downward, the locking tabs <b>124</b><i>d </i>of the tilt-out bin lock bar clips <b>124</b> are lowered from in front of the locking tabs <b>108</b><i>c </i>of the tilt-out bins <b>108</b>, which enables the tilt-out bins <b>108</b> to be opened by pulling on the handles <b>108</b><i>a </i>thereof.

The second section of the cart <b>100</b> may also be sealed with a frangible or severable lock seal <b>120</b>. More particularly, a locking portion <b>120</b><i>a </i>of the lock seal <b>120</b> is inserted through the lock seal aperture <b>126</b><i>e </i>of the locking portion <b>126</b><i>c </i>of the lock handle <b>126</b> and the lock seal aperture <b>136</b><i>d </i>of the locking portion <b>136</b><i>c </i>of the lock bracket <b>136</b>, and into the retaining portion <b>120</b><i>c </i>of the lock seal <b>120</b>. When an operator depresses the thumb latch <b>128</b>, movement of the lock bar <b>122</b> causes the lock seal <b>120</b> to be severed, thereby enabling access to the interior of the second section of the cart <b>100</b>. If the cart <b>100</b> also has a lock seal <b>120</b> attached to the first section, as described above, when the operator depresses the thumb latch <b>128</b>, movement of the lock bar <b>122</b> causes both lock seals <b>120</b> to be severed, thereby enabling access to the interior of both sections of the cart <b>100</b>.

While the present invention has been described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Rather, the present invention covers various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The scope of the appended claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.